In a significant development to an ongoing investigation, Peel Regional Police have arrested four additional suspects in connection with a series of violent robberies targeting South Asian residents in Brampton. These arrests bring the total number of individuals charged to seven, as authorities continue their crackdown on what they describe as hate-motivated crimes that have shaken the community.
The investigation began in early October when officers responded to multiple reports of robberies across Brampton where victims were specifically targeted based on their South Asian background. According to Detective Sergeant Karol Korzinski, who heads the investigation, “These weren’t random incidents. The perpetrators deliberately selected victims based on their perceived ethnicity and cultural background, making these crimes particularly disturbing.”
The four newly arrested suspects—Abhinav Sharma, 19, Devraj Singh, 20, Gurpreet Kaur, 18, and a 17-year-old male who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act—face multiple charges including robbery, assault causing bodily harm, and commission of an offense for a criminal organization. All four suspects are Brampton residents.
“What makes these crimes especially concerning is the level of organization behind them,” explained Chief Nishan Duraiappah at a press conference. “Evidence suggests these individuals were operating as a coordinated group, sharing information about potential targets and dividing responsibilities during the execution of these robberies.”
Victims reported being approached while walking alone in the evening or early morning hours, often near their residences or in parking lots. The attackers would allegedly demand cash, jewelry, and electronics while making derogatory remarks about the victims’ ethnic background. Several victims sustained injuries requiring medical attention, though none were life-threatening.
The investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of communication between the suspects, including text messages and social media exchanges that contained explicit references to targeting South Asian individuals, whom they believed would be carrying valuable items and less likely to report crimes to authorities.
Community leaders have expressed relief at the arrests but remain concerned about the lasting impact on residents. Baldev Mutta, CEO of Punjabi Community Health Services, noted, “These incidents have created genuine fear within our community. People are altering their daily routines and feeling unsafe in their own neighborhoods. The psychological impact extends far beyond the direct victims.”
Peel Police have increased patrols in affected areas and established a dedicated hotline for reporting similar incidents. They are also working closely with community organizations to provide support to victims and rebuild trust.
“We want to assure the South Asian community and all residents of Brampton that hate has no place in our city,” stated Mayor Patrick Brown. “These arrests demonstrate our commitment to bringing those responsible to justice, regardless of how long the investigation takes.”
The suspects will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton for bail hearings this week. Police believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward and are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Special Victims Unit.
As this case unfolds, an important question emerges for our communities: How do we balance the need for public awareness about targeted crimes without inadvertently creating deeper divisions between different ethnic groups in our increasingly diverse society?
